Rugby | Sevens

Blitzboks win Dubai Sevens

The Blitzboks won their second consecutive Dubai Sevens title with a hard-fought 24-12 win New Zealand at the Sevens stadium in the Emirate on Saturday.

The defending World Series champions opened the season like they did last year, producing an excellent first half to go 19-0 up and then watched as New Zealand came back in the second half before Tim Agaba closed the game out with a late try.

In the process they added to the five tournaments they won last year, and the World Series title and showed why they are favourites to dominate the series once again with their experienced side.

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New Zealand had an absolutely horrible start, as Joseva Ravouvou was yellow carded for almost decapitating Branco du Preez, a decision that could easily have been a red card.

In his absence the Blitzboks scored through Phillip Snyman and Seabelo Senatla, and then added a third when Kwagga Smith charged down a kick to score.

Smith was exceptional and rightly claim the man of the match award but a yellow card to Rosco Speckman in the second half allowed the All Blacks to claw back two tries, getting back to 19-12 before Tim Agaba powered his way over to seal the game.

The series moves to Cape Town this week where the Blitzboks will want to do better than their losing final performance last year at their home tournament.